Loss of Control in Flight · NTSB DEN08FA058
Piper PA-23-250 — Sterling, KS
| Date | February 13, 2008 |
| Location | Sterling, KS |
| Aircraft | Piper PA-23-250 |
| Purpose of flight | Positioning |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Enroute-cruise Loss of control in flight |
| Pilot age | 27 |
| Pilot total time | 3,050 hrs · High time |
| Time in type | 1,320 hrs |
| Fatalities | 1 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Flight control system-Stabilizer control system-Failure
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Attain/maintain not possible - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft handling/service-Maintenance/inspections-(general)-Inadequate inspection - C
What happened
The airplane was in cruise flight at 6,000 feet mean sea level when it entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted terrain in a right wing low attitude. The airplane cartwheeled, impacted a cow, and scattered components and debris over a distance of 668 feet. Examination of both stabilators revealed extensive aft streaking, initiating along the forward rivet line, consistent with working or "smoking" rivets. Examination of the stabilator trim tab fittings exhibited little deformation and the inboard rivet faces had been knocked off. The stabilator trim pushrod was not attached. The securing nut and cotter pin, used to secure the pushrod to the tab was missing. The lack of deformation to the trim pushrod is indicative that the securing nut backed out during flight. The stabilator trim bellcrank, left side, was loose within its attach point and exhibited significant freeplay. Disassembly revealed elongation of the attach hole. These observations indicate prolonged inadequate maintenance. A review of the pilot's training, experience, and qualifications revealed no issues.